Inhofe Statement on Bridenstine for NASA Administrator

Rep. Bridenstine is already on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee and has been gunning for the head boss role at NASA. His "political baggage" could hold NASA back by throwing in accusations of partisan bias, Rubio tells Politico, and he might not command respect from an organization that values its scientific mission. The congressman supported Trump during his campaign, but because months passed without an official statement from the White House, some speculatedBridenstine lost favor.

In a statement, Lightfoot reaffirmed that Bridenstine needs senate confirmation, but that he looks forward to "ensuring a smooth transition and sharing the great work the NASA team is doing".

"NASA is at a critical juncture in history, and it is important that its mission remain free of politics and partisanship", he said.

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And here's Bridenstine in 2013 demanding that then-President Obama apologize for spending money to research climate change, which he says has "stopped" and severe weather is on the decline anyway.

The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on criticism of his nomination. By contrast current NASA head Charles Frank Bolden, Jr.is a former Administrator of NASA, a retired United States Marine Corps Major General, and a former NASA astronaut.

Bridenstine has emerged as a favorite for NASA administrator as he was one of the staunch supporter of Trump's candidacy in the 2016 presidential election. A former U.S. Navy pilot who now serves in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he was executive director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum in 2010 when it made a long shot, and ultimately unsuccessful, bid to host one of the retired space shuttle orbiters.

He said he'll wait until he meets with Bridenstine before deciding how to vote. "Bridenstine's lifelong passion for space, combined with his work in Congress on modernizing our nation's space program, will serve him well at NASA".